Caley go ballistic over vote

SUPPORTERS and politicians in the Highlands united last night in condemnation of the Scottish Premier League’s decision to block Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s promotion to its ranks.

The Division 1 champions do not meet the SPL stadium criteria but had agreed a ground-share deal with Aberdeen to allow them to take their place in the top flight.

At yesterday’s SPL meeting ICT needed the ground-share move to be backed by eight of the 12 SPL clubs but got the support of just seven. The decision means that Partick Thistle, who finished bottom of the SPL, will no longer be relegated.

Last night Ken Mackie, ICT’s chairman described the decision as "unfortunate" and said the club would appeal.

But criticism of the SPL was swift and strong. David Stewart, MP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, said it was a breach of natural justice. He added: "This decision by the SPL is a slap in the face not just for north football, but to Scottish football and it makes a mockery to have no promotion or relegation for the second year running.

"The First Division is harder to escape from than Alcatraz but arguably the Alcatraz rules were fairer than the SPL ground criteria."

Fergus Ewing, MSP for the same constituency, called for Frank McAveety, the sports minister, to look at the system which Mr Ewing said brings the rules of the game into ridicule.

Bill Smith, the Provost of Inverness, said the decision was a blow for the Highlands and Scottish football.